Description
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts are classic, deep-fried treats with a soft, tender crumb and a light dusting of powdered sugar. This nostalgic recipe brings back the warmth of home baking with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, yielding golden, fluffy doughnuts perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Frying and Finishing
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the dough light.
- Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out the doughnut shapes and holes.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or large, heavy pot, heat the frying oil to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature for even cooking.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot oil, frying them for 2-3 minutes total, turning halfway through until they reach a golden brown color on both sides.
- Drain and Dust: Remove the fried doughnuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Once slightly cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature remains steady at 350°F to prevent greasy or undercooked doughnuts.
- If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, use a large round biscuit cutter and a smaller cutter (like a bottle cap) to shape the center hole.
- For a glazed variant, substitute powdered sugar dusting with a simple sugar glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Serve doughnuts fresh and warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Leftover doughnuts can be stored in an airtight container but are best consumed within 1 day to avoid sogginess.
